Originally Posted by
dujardin
Captain then said we now had to divert to PHL. Is that a fixed rule: two aborted landings means compulsory divert?
Originally Posted by
csutter
Not necessarily a fixed rule, but eventually you need to start seriously considering alternatives - this will be driven by remaining fuel, the chances of a successful third approach (probably low given two have been aborted already due to weather), and whatever the pilots will have briefed on the approach.
Originally Posted by
orbitmic
Definitely not. I have been in cases where I also had two go around's in a row (which is indeed far more impressive than one) and ended up being "third time lucky".
AIUI, some airlines do have a rule about making only two (or some other number) approaches to an airport before diverting. If I've understood it correctly, this is to do with trying to avoid the development of that dangerous phenomenon known as get-there-itis by preventing the conditions in which the crew can become fixated on the need to get it right this time.